Connor Grootenhuis
MLB
Show Bio
Unfortunately, there are no afternoon MLB games today, but the evening is jam-packed with a full slate of 15 games. That gives us a ton of options on side and total picks, as well as player props. I’ve got two player props that I am rolling with tonight, but before I get to those, don’t forget to check what our MLB analysts have backed with side and total picks for all of the games tonight. It should be a great Friday night of baseball.
Max Scherzer to record a win (+120)
Line available at DraftKings at time of publishing
Max Scherzer has lost two starts in a row, but it is not for a lack of trying. In those two starts, Scherzer pitched 13.0 innings allowing just four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out 19. Scherzer will face the Phillies tonight, and I like his chances at getting back into the win column. The veteran right-hander is very familiar with Philadelphia, and he has pitched extremely well against them during his time in Washington.
Since 2015, Scherzer is 5-1 with a 2.63 ERA in eight starts against the Phillies. Philadelphia is still relatively short-handed with Bryce Harper and Didi Gregorius on the IL, and their lineup is not nearly as intimidating without them. Scherzer’s problems in his last two outings have stemmed from the long ball, as he allowed three home runs. However, the Phillies are 20th in the league in home runs with 59 in 55 games, and not having two of their best power hitters in the lineup certainly bodes well for Scherzer.
Scherzer’s opposition in this game will be Zack Wheeler, and while he has been pitching well, he is just 6-11 with a 4.56 ERA in 21 career starts against the Nationals. The Washington bullpen also has the advantage over Philadelphia’s, and Scherzer is a guy who frequently pitches deep into games. Consider backing Mad Max to record a win tonight.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies.
Nathan Eovaldi Over 5.5 strikeouts (+110)
Line available at DraftKings at time of publishing
Only four teams have struck out more than the Yankees over the last seven days, and only one team has struck out more than them over the last 30 days. The New York offense continues to disappoint this season, and now they have to face Nathan Eovaldi. The Boston right-hander struggled a bit in April, but he improved in May and has been impressive in his three starts away from Boston. Of those three starts, Eovaldi has a 3-0 record with a 2.76 ERA and a .230 BAA.
His strikeout numbers are fairly middle-of-the-road, but he has a chance to up those numbers tonight. New York has been very susceptible to the strikeout, and they have really struggled against right-handers. They are still missing some key guys in their lineup, and with no Aaron Hicks, Luke Voit, and possibly Giancarlo Stanton, the plus-money on this total is very appealing. Even if Stanton plays, he has struck out nine times in five games since returning from the IL. Eovaldi seems to be in a favorable spot here.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees.
Pickswise is the home of free MLB picks and predictions. Make sure to also check out our ‘MLB parlays‘ and ‘MLB prop bets‘ tabs for more expert picks.
